Abstract: A variable compression hybrid design sports bra offers both compression and encapsulation to support the breasts of a user. The front member of the bra includes a rib band extending across the front, and left and right cups connected at bottom portions thereof to the rib band so as to extend above the rib band. The front member also includes a shaped compression panel or bust cup which receives the left and right cups therein. This compression panel is made of an elastic material, is connected to the rib band at a lower portion thereof, and has left and right upper front portions extending from a main portion thereof. An attachment system or mechanism adjustably attaches the compression panel with a strap system to adjustably stretch the compression panel over and thus compress the left and right cups. The cups are supported by crossing slings.

Abstract: A multipanel foundation garment is disclosed in which each of the panels has a unidirectional line of stretch and has a shape selected such that the lines of stretch are in the direction of movement of the contacting body part. Such a foundation garment performs its normal function of confining stationary fatty parts of the body and further confines those parts during movement of the body. In a particular embodiment, a panty girdle is comprised of six panels. A front panel has the direction of stretch in the longitudinal direction with respect to the wearer and is surrounded by two elongate, side panels together forming an ogee frame and which have lines of stretch in the mutually opposing bias directions. Two back panels, connected to each other along their respective edges and connected along the other edges to the edges of the side panels have their respective lines of stretch in the transverse direction.

Abstract: An improved brassiere comprises a pair of breast pockets each having a first, three-section, front panel and a second, elastomeric, front panel, and a separate inner panel at least partially overlapping both front panels. The inner edge of the rear panel is connected to the center seam of the brassiere by an elastic strap, and the lower edge of the rear panel is detached and spaced from the lower edges of the front panels.

Abstract: A brassiere is disclosed which has a pair of side sections stitched to opposite side edges of a front section. The front section consists of an outer panel provided in its upper portion with a pair of semi-circular recesses. An elastic inner panel underlies the upper portion of the outer panel and is stitched thereto along the side edges and along its lower edge in downwardly spaced relation from the recesses. A pair of breast cups are provided on the inner panel, and lower portions of the cups project forwardly through the recesses in the outer panel, while crescent-shaped pockets exist between the two panels around the lower cup portions. The attachment of the breast cups to an elastic inner panel allows the breast cups to move with the breasts relative to the rib cage, independent of the outer garment. A pair of semi-circular reinforcing wires are embedded in the edges of the recesses in the outer panel.